This weekend is going to be a hot one and with extreme heat conditions forecasted across Wollongong, we're extending our lifeguard patrolled beach hours for the weekend to ensure as many people as possible have the chance to swim safely.
Our professional lifeguards will offer additional supervision on Saturday at our beaches and pools and on Sunday we'll collaborate with Surf Life Saving Illawarra to manage our beaches.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that staying safe in the water was a job for everyone.
"It's going to be a busy weekend. We're asking all beach and pool-goers do their part by following the directions of our Lifeguards, staying a COVID-safe distance away from others and swimming between the flags," he said.
"What we've done is have a look at our key beaches like Stanwell Park, Coledale, Thirroul, North Wollongong and Port Kembla and extended their patrol hours. We've also rostered on additional staff.
"At some of our other beaches, we've staff on standby for additional hours, should we need to leave the flags up for longer.
"Whether you're travelling to Wollongong or a local keen for a swim I ask you to just remember to plan ahead and keep in mind that there will likely be more traffic than usual as people make the most of the warm weather."
Parking can be limited during peak times, so consider exploring one of Wollongong's lesser known beaches or parking further away and using the Free Gong Shuttle as a park and ride option. Bus timetables can be found on the Premier Illawarra website.
"If you're new to Wollongong, I encourage you to check out our wide range of excellent beaches. Wollongong is proud to have seventeen patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south. There's plenty to choose from," said Cr Bradbery.
"Just remember, whatever beach you visit, if there are no flags that means no swim."
Prefer a dip in the pool? We've implemented a new pool booking system for our freshwater and saltwater pools to manage crowd numbers and keep everyone COVID-safe.
The Book My Swim initiative is a free online booking system that allows residents and visitors to make a 1-2 hour pool booking. Visit Council's website to make a pool booking.
For more beach safety tips this summer including our beach safety videos, visit Wollongong City Council's website.
Beach locations and patrol hours
SATURDAY
- Stanwell Park Beach - 9am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours)
Lower Coast Rd, Stanwell Park
- Coalcliff Beach - 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions)
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coalcliff
- Scarborough Beach - 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions)
Monash St, Wombarra
- Coledale Beach - 9am to 6pm (with extra staff at peak hours)
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
- Austinmer Beach - 9am to 7pm
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer
- Thirroul Beach - 9am to 7pm
The Esplanade, Thirroul
- Sandon Point Beach - 10am to 6pm
Point St, Bulli
- Bulli Beach - 9am to 7pm
Farrell Rd, Bulli
- Woonona Beach - 9am to 6pm (with extra staff at peak hours)
Kurraba Rd, Woonona
- Bellambi Beach - 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions)
Morgan Pl, Bellambi
- Corrimal Beach - 9am to 7pm
Lake Pde, East Corrimal
- Towradgi Beach - 10am to 6pm
Murranar Rd, Towradgi
- Fairy Meadow Beach - 9am to 6pm
Elliots Rd, Fairy Meadow
- North Wollongong Beach - 8am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours)
Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
- Wollongong City Beach - 9am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours)
Marine Dr, Wollongong
- Port Kembla Beach - 9am to 7pm with (extra staff at peak hours)
Olympic Blvd, Port Kembla
- Windang Beach -10am to 6pm
Fern St, Windang
SUNDAY
Surf Life Saving Illawarra will be patrolling beaches with assistance from Wollongong City Council Lifeguard supervisors.
- Stanwell Park Beach - 9am to 6pm
Lower Coast Rd, Stanwell Park
- Coalcliff Beach -10am to 5pm
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coalcliff
- Scarborough Beach -10am to 5pm
Monash St, Wombarra
- Coledale Beach -10am to 5pm
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
- Austinmer Beach - 9am to 6pm
Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer
- Thirroul Beach - 9am to 6pm
The Esplanade, Thirroul
- Sandon Point Beach -10am to 5pm
Point St, Bulli
- Bulli Beach - 9am to 6pm
Farrell Rd, Bulli
- Woonona Beach -10am to 5pm
Kurraba Rd, Woonona
- Bellambi Beach -10am to 5pm
Morgan Pl, Bellambi
- Corrimal Beach - 9am to 6pm
Lake Pde, East Corrimal
- Towradgi Beach -10am to 5pm
Murranar Rd, Towradgi
- Fairy Meadow Beach - 9am to 6pm
Elliots Rd, Fairy Meadow
- North Wollongong Beach - 8am to 6pm
Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
- Wollongong City Beach - 9am to 6pm
Marine Dr, Wollongong
- Port Kembla Beach - 9am to 6pm
Olympic Blvd, Port Kembla
- Windang Beach -10am to 5pm
Fern St, Windang
